Ritchie Gimbel

The key discussion points included the approval of the February 2026 financial report and proposed appropriations, as well as the confirmation of the January 19, 2026, meeting minutes. Detailed discussions occurred regarding the status of assessment drains, specifically the Haas Coulee Improvement (2026-1) where the engineer's report is in progress. Significant attention was given to Easement 01 (Kersten et al.) concerning the LaPorte Coulee Drain, where grantors expressed concerns about the project scope not including responsibility for the Kersten dam's rehabilitation and maintenance; the Board decided to coordinate a meeting to address these concerns. Additionally, the Board discussed the White Spur Drain easement responses and reviewed the status of 2027 Legislative Issues. New business involved planning for the 2027-2029 DWR/SWC Water Development Plan submissions, emphasizing the need to submit projects by April 30, 2026, to qualify for cost-share funding, and the need to revise the advertisement language for assessment drain mowing services before publication.

The meeting proceedings included the approval of the agenda with additions such as snow day closures and the Assessing Services Agreement with the City of Bottineau. Discussions covered the county snow day policy, where it was determined the policy will remain unchanged unless the school district implements virtual learning days. The board approved tax cancellations for properties foreclosed on by the county in 2025 and approved Amendments to the 2025 Budget. Following discussions on 2026 Law Enforcement agreements with outlying cities, the board approved signing and sending the agreements. Updates were provided on county projects, including box culvert work and future bidding schedules. The board approved an invoice for Bridge Inspections from the Department of Transportation. Following a report from the Sheriff's Department, the board accepted the Tax Director's recommendation to maintain 2026 Ag values at 90.18% and approved the Assessor Services Agreement with the City of Bottineau. Finally, the Gross Production Tax Distribution was allocated across several county funds.

The meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and approval. Specific topics involved the approval of the budget report and bills, discussion of engineering contract amendments, and updates on various project phases (MI-4, MI-5, MI-6, MI-7, MI-8/9, WC-1). Action items included authorizing a change order and subsequent bidding for MI-7D and MI-7I, adoption of the PER Update, and discussion regarding a Rural Program Update, Rural Bridges Update, and Public Access Policy. The session concluded with a review of the Annual Financial Audit for 2023-2024 and setting the date for the next meeting in March 2026.

The meeting commenced with the election and appointment of officers for 2026, resulting in Clifford Issendorf being nominated as Chair, Mitch Opdahl as Vice Chair, Wayne Drangsholt as Treasurer, and Kale Van Bruggen as Secretary, all by unanimous ballot. The agenda was approved as presented following minor modifications. The financial report and proposed appropriations for January 2026 were confirmed, and monthly bills were approved for payment. Discussions regarding assessment drains included accepting the construction quote from Mikkelsen Aggregates, LLC for the Haas Coulee Drain Stead Drain Phase II and approving the Resolution Initiating Proceedings for the Haas Coulee Improvement Project (2026-1). Easement documents were mailed out for the LaPorte Coulee Drain and the White Spur Assessment Drain Reroute projects. The status of the South Landa Drain project was updated, and an extension request for cost-share applications related to the Stone Creek Drain Lateral B was noted. Under Old Business, there was a report on preliminary draft legislation concerning the maintenance of drainage projects. New Business involved authorizing Apex Engineering to assist Leroy Rude with an application for an Idle Speed restriction on Hellick Lake.

The agenda for the Board of Managers meeting includes the election of officers and setting of the agenda. Key items for discussion involve the approval of the January 2026 Financial Packet and the 4th Quarter Financial Summary, followed by a lengthy discussion and potential actions regarding numerous assessment drains, including the initiation of proceedings for construction and maintenance on the Haas Coulee Drain (Haas Coulee Improvement (2025-1)). Old Business addresses 2027 Legislative Issues. New Business covers a request from Leroy Rude regarding an Idle Speed Application for Hellick Lake to Game & Fish. The meeting also includes time for open discussion and status reports from the Engineer/Administrator and Attorney/Secretary.